France were crowned champions of the third and final FIH Men’s Series Finals in le Touquet Paris-Plage after they defeated higher-ranked Ireland in a fast paced and entertaining match. A large and vociferous crowd urged the home side to victory and the men in blue delivered. Earlier in the day, Korea had put on a dominant display to beat Scotland by a comprehensive 5-0 score-line. The results mean that France and Ireland finished first and second respectively and will go to the FIH Olympic qualifiers in October and November. Korea finished third and Scotland fourth. Korea v Scotland The seventh and last day of the FIH Men’s Series Finals in France started with the classification match between the defeated semi-finalists Korea and Scotland. Both teams were looking to finish their FIH Series Finals campaign with a win, a respectable third place and, importantly, world ranking points. It is was a fiercely competitive first quarter, although neither team could find a way through to goal. Korea could count themselves unlucky as they hit the post, but that was the nearest either team came to scoring. The previous day’s disappointment was taking its toll on both teams and the players seemed to be lacking energy in those opening minutes. David Forrester, the Scottish goalkeeper, was the busiest of the two goalkeepers in the second quarter but, although he saved several earlier attempts, he could do nothing about Jeon Byungjin’s perfectly executed shot. Korea went into the half-time break 1-0  up. One minute into the second half, Korea’s captain Lee Namyong scored a stunning second goal. Scotland fought back but were sometimes a little wasteful in front of goal and this was their downfall. The third goal for the Asian team came from a penalty corner, which Jang Jonghyun converted with a fast and low shot. Kim Sunghyun added to the score with a well-worked goal that involved some good team passing. Scotland’s woes increased when Jang Jonghyun scored his second penalty corner to give his side an unassailable 5-0 lead. The result means Korea finish in third position and Scotland fourth in the third and final FIH Men’s Series Finals. Korea captain Lee Namyong said: “It was good winning today. We have finished the competition well so we are all happy!” ********** FIH Series Finals Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, 2019 Result: Korea 5, Scotland 0 Umpires: Michiel Otten (NED), Nick Bennett (ENG) ********** Ireland v France  Both Ireland and France had topped their respective pools on route to the semi-finals and final of this competition, so the spectators knew they were in for a showpiece match between two teams in good form. Urged on by a vociferous crowd, France went on the attack as they heaped pressure on the Ireland defence. Only another outstanding performance from David Harte in the Ireland goal withstood the early pressure. Eventually something had to give and it was Blaise Rogeau who absolutely smashed the ball from the top of the circle to beat Harte and give Les Bleus the lead. Ireland came back into the game just before the end of the quarter when Sean Murray danced his way through the defence to score the equaliser. The second quarter continued at the same breathless level of intensity and, again, it was France who made pressure pay. Victor Charlet converted a penalty corner and the first half ended ‘advantage France’. Charlet doubled his tally five minutes into the second half. It was from another penalty corner and Charlet’s stunning shot momentarily silenced the crowds of spectators. As the centre pass was taken, the support from the French part of the stands was ear-splitting. Ireland never gave up on the match and chased envy last ball but this was France’s day. The icing on the cake came when Victor Charlet was revealed as the tournament’s top goal scorer and his team mate Charles Masson was voted Best Player. Victor Charlet said: “It is an awesome feeling to win this tournament in France. It was important for us to win in order to confirm the progress French hockey is making. It is something we showed at the World Cup and we have continued to show progress here.” ********** FIH Series Finals Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, 2019 Result: Ireland 1, France 3 Umpires: Diego Paul Walker (ENG), Fraser Bell (SCO) ********** Individual Awards: Best Player – Charles Masson (FRA) Best Junior Player – Cameron Golden (SCO) Best Goalkeeper – Kim Jaehyeon (KOR) Top Scorers: Shane O’Donoghue (IRE) Victor Charlet (FRA) Jang Jonghyun (KOR) #FIHSeriesFinals #RoadToTokyo

THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC) HAS OFFICIALLY INAUGURATED ITS NEW HEADQUARTERS ON 23 JUNE DURING THE CELEBRATION OF OLYMPIC DAY. IN 2019 THIS SYMBOLIC DAY MARKED THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE IOC. The inauguration of Olympic House was the culmination of a journey that started back in 2012 when the IOC decided to move ahead with the consolidation of its head office. Olympic House is a privately funded investment in sustainability. The sustainability approach is threefold: It has the strong ambition to meet the most demanding sustainability standards both locally and internationally. It has been designed as a sustainable building in terms of both construction and operations, with special efforts put into energy and water efficiency, waste reduction and landscape integration. It aims to regroup all IOC staff in one location, resulting in cost savings and increased collaboration. It also represents an investment by the IOC in the local economy and development. Eighty per cent of the construction costs have been spent with local companies hence contributing to the development of local competencies. Developed by Danish architecture firm 3XN, Olympic House will allow the IOC to bring together its staff – 500 employees currently spread across Lausanne in four locations – under one roof at a single site. Selected by the IOC in April 2014 after an international architecture competition, 3XN partnered with Swiss architects IttenBrechbühl to oversee the construction of the project. From 23 June onwards, the IOC will benefit from two Olympic centres in Lausanne: Olympic House in Vidy to cater for its administration and offer a welcoming meeting place for all its stakeholders; and The Olympic Museum and the Olympic Studies Centre in Ouchy to host the general public. IOC/ADAM MORK With this new building, the IOC confirms its attachment to Lausanne, the Olympic Capital. Developed in close consultation with the local authorities, Olympic House will offer the region an emblematic architectural landmark and become an important element of the local Louis Bourget public park, which welcomes a diverse group of visitors every year. Olympic House is a unique example of innovative collaboration between many different stakeholders, including the IOC, some of its Worldwide Olympic Partners (Dow, Toyota and Panasonic), the architects 3XN and IttenBrechbühl, sustainability certification bodies, local authorities, suppliers and academics.

Hiroshima, Japan: In the match for third place, Chile and Russia entertained the spectators with a tightly contested and exciting game. Although Russia showed enormous resilience to get the game back on equal terms, it was Chile who held their nerve to win in the shoot-out, finishing their FIH Series Finals campaign on a high note. The final turned to a celebration among the home crowds as India showed why they are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.The Eves defeated the Cherry Blossoms Chile – Russia Russia came to this event as one of the lower-ranked teams (FIH World Ranking: 25) but at this event they have showed a huge amount of fighting spirit and the ability to win important matches. In the match for third place they faced Chile (WR:16), another team that is moving up the rankings and challenging for medals at international tournaments. Chile began the match at a high tempo and were rewarded when Manuela Lagos was able to find Consuelo de la Heras with a great pass. De la Heras made no mistake as she fired her team into the lead. That lead was doubled just before the end of the quarter through Denise Krimerman. The penalty corner specialist fired home an unstoppable shot and the team from South America looked to be heading for a comfortable win. We have learnt at this tournament never to write Russia off and so it proved again. Just before the end of the second quarter Russia won a penalty corner, which Alina Khalimova converted with a sliding deflected shot. Much like the first half, Chile began the second 30 minute period at a high tempo and again it was Consuelo de la Heras who scored to put her team 3-1 up. In response, Mariia Bordolimova sent a low shot into the Chile goal to keep Russia in the game at 3-2. In the final quarter, it was a feeling of “déjà-vu” for Chile as Russia equalised through Dayana Yushkova. The goal must have been a huge blow to Chile as the team slumped to the pitch at the final whistle and had to gather their thoughts and prepare themselves for the shoot-out. But Chile are a team that are developing a strong mental mindset and, in the shoot-out, the Diablas (as Chile are nicknamed), dominated proceedings to win 3-1 and take third place. Russia assistant coach Moses Lodarmasse: “We didn’t start well because of the game of yesterday against Japan, but I must say that when we were losing 3-1 and came back, the Russian mentality came back and we should have finished it in the game. We were better in the last part but it’s a pity we didn’t score.” Chile team captain Camila Caram: “During the shoot-out session, I think we were downhearted, but we have played them well, we had studied them before hand and we are very, very happy with how we performed in the shoot-out.” ****** FIH Women’s Series Finals Hiroshima, 2019 Result 3/4 play-off: Chile 3 (3), Russia 3 (1) Umpires: Chieko Soma (JPN), Rhiannon Murrie (AUS) ****** India – Japan And so at last the final. It was an all-Asian clash between two emerging giants of the game. India had won all their games to this point but Japan are always a side to be reckoned with. The stadium rang out with vocal and enthusiastic support from both the home crowd and the sound of the “Taiko” band (Japanese traditional drums). Both teams began at a fast pace but it was India who took the lead when team captain Rani converted their first penalty corner. Japan remained calm and replied 10 minutes later. The ball was intercepted in the centre of the pitch and Mori Kanon was on hand to equalise for her side as she dribbled into the circle and wrong-footed the Indian goalkeeper. In the second quarter, India created a great chance to score but a speculative shot flew wide. Japan were working hard to keep possession but couldn’t find a way past the Indian defence. The second half was much the same as both evenly matched teams attempted to find a way to score a decisive goal. Both teams created half chances but this was a battle between two disciplined defensive teams. Eventually it was Gurjit Kaur who gave India the lead after she fired a missile of a shot into the Japanese goal. It got very heated in the final quarter as Japan sought to equalise as quickly as possible. India, for their part, counter-attacked well and won a number of penalty corners – none of which they converted. Eventually, Head Coach Anthony Farry removed the Japan goalkeeper in an effort to create a player advantage. Japan threw everything into scoring the equaliser but India were not budging. As Japan pushed and pushed, gaps appeared in the defence and India were able to capitalise. They won another penalty corner and Gurjit Kaur didn’t miss, putting the game well out of Japan’s reach. India head coach Sjoerd Marijne: “It was a tough match, we are happy with the 500 points, we came here with a mission for the 500 points, it gave us the opportunity to play home (…) I think we have defended very well and we can play fast combination hockey and we have a really good drag flick.”   Japan head coach Anthony Farry: “The girls kept going until the end, created some good chances maybe couple of things didn’t fall out well and that’s the beauty of sport I guess. Disappointing but we’ll come back stronger from this performance” ****** FIH Women’s Series Finals Hiroshima, 2019 Result: India 3, Japan 1 Umpires: Cookie Tan (SGP), Mary Driscoll (USA) ****** Individual awards Best Junior Player Mariia BORDOLIMOVA (RUS) nr. 12 Best Goalkeeper Megumi KAGEYAMA (JPN) nr. 1 Hero Top scorer Gurjit KAUR (IND) nr 2 Best Player: RANI (IND) nr. 27

In these most important of matches, Ireland managed to withstand an onslaught of pressure from Korea, while France eased to a competent 3-0 victory over Scotland. The results mean that Ireland and France will now meet in tomorrow’s final and, to the delight of both teams and their staff, will be part of the FIH Olympic qualifying events in October and November. Korea and Scotland will play for third place. Ireland v Korea The numerous Irish spectators virtually turned le Touquet into a home fixture for the Green Army as they took to the field against Korea in this most important match. The winner of the semi-final match has a guaranteed place in the FIH Olympic qualifier events taking place later this year so for both Ireland (FIH World Ranking: 11) and Korea (WR:17), this match was of vital importance to their Olympic ambitions. The first quarter was a cagey affair as both teams were testing each other out. The result was 15 minutes of attack and counter-attack with few circle penetrations and fewer goals. It was Korea who struck first, through a penalty corner, which was calmly converted by Jeon Byungjin. His fierce shot flew through the legs of goalkeeper David Harte. The goal spurred Ireland into a greater level of intensity and that pressure was rewarded just ahead of the half-time whistle when Matthew Nelson was able to round Kim Jaehyon, the Korean goalkeeper and slot the ball home to bring the scores level. Just one minute into the second half and Eugene Magee used all his skill to double Ireland’s lead. Just a few seconds later Benjamin Walker scored goal number three for the top-ranked team in le Touquet. At this point of the match, Korea’s extra crossover game seemed to be taking its toll and the Asian side looked tired. However, the team rallied and Lee Seungil, used all of his experience to slam home a perfectly executed penalty corner. At 3-2, the final 15 minutes was all set to be a tense affair for both teams. With a goal advantage, Ireland were defending with gritty determination but Korea were throwing everything at them. David Harte was in the thick of the action, throwing his body around the goal to keep the Korea attack at bay. With minutes to go, Korea removed their goalkeeper to get an on-field player advantage but the plan back-fired as Ireland gained possession and Neil Glassey was able to score into an empty goal, putting the game beyond Korea’s reach. As the final whistle rang out, Ireland celebrated reaching the final and taking another step along the road to Olympic qualification. David Harte, Ireland’s goalkeeper and captain said: “We are completely delighted that we achieved our first objective, which was of course reach the finals as this will lead us to the next step on our road to Tokyo. The way we did it and the manner was just typically Irish in the sense that we dug it out. We grafted so hard at the back and ultimately we came away with a very deserved victory.” ********** FIH Series Finals Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, 2019 Result: Ireland 0, Korea 0 Umpires: Nazmi Kamaruddin (MAS), Paul Walker (ENG) ********** France v Scotland  Packed stands greeted the host nation France as they entered the field of play for their semi-final match with Scotland. Opening encounters between the teams were well-matched but steadily the higher-ranked French team (WR:15) began to dominate. The first opportunity to score came from a penalty corner three minutes before the end of the quarter. Although the first attempt was well saved, France were awarded a second and Tynevez deflected Hugo Genestet’s initial shot to give his side the lead. The goal was greeted with wild cheering and “Allez les Bleues” from the home crowd. Just minutes later France doubled their lead through Blaise Rogeau – a well-taken open play goal. The second quarter saw renewed efforts from Scotland to get back into the game. Despite their best efforts, Scotland couldn’t break through the French defence. Four minutes into the second half and Victor Charlet thought he had scored the third goal. Unfortunately his effort was disallowed but not before the crowd had erupted in delight. It was French captain Hugo Genestet who scored the decisive third goal. The team was awarded a penalty stroke and Genestet mad Eno mistake as he dispatched it into the Scottish goal. As the final whistle sounded at the Field Eric Choteau, the French team and their supporters were ecstatic. For the French, the Olympic journey continues, plus in tomorrow’s final, they have a chance to seal victory over Ireland in front of a vociferous home crowd. France captain Hugot Genestet said: “We are really happy I think we controlled the game and did not leave Scotland many opportunities. We could have scored more goals but with the sun and the crowd it was a perfect day” ********** FIH Series Finals Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, 2019 Result: France 3, Scotland 0 Umpires: Michiel Otten (NED), Nick Bennett (ENG) ********** The semi-finals day finished on a positive note full of hope ahead of the International Olympic Day as FIH Representative and Executive board member Marijke Fleuren, alongside Olivier Moreau of the French Hockey Federation handed over a collection of 113 sticks to be donated to Senegal, the host of the next Youth Olympic Games in 2022. The sticks were donated by all the team members and will help the Senegalese National Association grow the sport in the country. To support Senegal as the latest addition to the global hockey community, FIH is developing a Targeted Assistance Programme (TAP). Action continues tomorrow with:  Korea v Scotland at 15:30 CEST Ireland v France at 18:00 CEST #FIHSeriesFinals #RoadToTokyo

The fifth day in le Touquet Paris-Plage was all about finishing with a win. First to take to the field were Singapore and Ukraine who were battling for seventh place. Then it was a contest between Egypt and Chile – two teams who had definitely hoped to have featured in the semi-finals, so would need to recharge themselves ahead of this fixture. Singapore v Ukraine The action started with the race for seventh place between Singapore and Ukraine, who both finished last in their respective pools. Ukraine, with a FIH World Ranking of 26, were favourites to win this match, particularly as Singapore (WR: 36), had yet to score a goal in the competition. The higher-ranked team took the lead through Andrii Koshelenko who opened the scoring from the first penalty corner of the match. The second quarter was a mirror reflection of the first. Ukraine had the majority of possession and it was just five minutes into the quarter before Vitalii Shevchuk made it 2-0, latching onto a cross after some brilliant build-up play. Singapore played with much heart and determination but they were up against a team determined to leave the FIH Series Finals with a win to their credit. The third goal came nine minutes into the second half. Viacheslav Paziuk made a surging run from just past the half-way line and his cross found Lurii Moroz, who only had to tip the ball past Xuan Wee Wei in the Singapore goal. Finally, and to huge celebration, Singapore opened their scoring account. The Asian team had created a lot of opportunities in the final quarter and, after a number of penalty corners, Silas Noor was finally able to find the back of the net. Although Singapore didn’t look like turning the match around, the young team were clearly rising to the challenge and put on a good display of attacking hockey in the final minutes of the game. Ukraine’s captain, Oleksandr Diachenko, said: “It was our last match and we won! We tried to play faster with more skills. Singapore is a good team and I think in the future they will play much better.” ********** FIH Series Finals Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, 2019 Result: Singapore 0, Ukraine 0 Umpires: Diego Estebanez (ESP), Kris Cholewa (IRL) ********** Chile v Egypt Chile and Egypt were both after a winning final match of their FIH Series Finals campaign. Seven minutes into the match and Ahmed Gamal gave Egypt the lead after a fantastic piece of build-up play from his team. Chile came straight back and won a penalty corner but were unable to convert it. The South American side soon made amends however. Sven Richter was on hand to tip the ball home after searching passes from his teammates had left the Egyptian defence chasing shadows. It all got very competitive in the second quarter as both teams ramped up the intensity. Chile had the greater share of possession but Egypt were also looking dangerous with every attack. It was Egypt who re-took the lead. Mohamed Edris scored from a penalty stroke. Amazingly in this see-saw game, Chile also won a penalty stroke just a minute later and Sven Richter made no mistake from the spot. The second half started at a somewhat slower pace as both teams looked for a tactical advantage. Finally, after three penalty corners, Egypt made another break through. Amr Ibrahim netted with a fierce airborne shot into Henriquez Adrian’s goal. The final quarter saw both teams once more raping up the pressure. Egypt were reduced to 10 men but Chile could not make the player advantage count. After a staunch defence for the final minutes, Egypt were able to celebrate finishing their FIH Series Finals in fifth place and with a well-deserved and hard-fought victory. Egypt scorer Ahmed Gamal said: “Chile is a really good team and, after Korea yesterday, we were very tired but thank God we won and now we look forward to the African Championship and trying to qualify for the Olympic Games” ********** FIH Series Finals Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, 2019 Result: Chile 2, Egypt 3 Umpires: Tyler Klenk (CAN), Benjamin Peters (USA) ********** There is an exciting day of action tomorrow in le Touquet as the teams will be giving their all in the semi-finals. A win tomorrow means the continuation of the Olympic journey as the two finalists will go through to one of the FIH Olympic qualifiers being held this October and November. meaning of potential qualification for the Olympic qualifier. The only exception to this is Scotland, who cannot qualify as England are the nominated team for the Great Britain Olympic pathway. Ireland v Korea at 15:30 CEST France v Scotland at 18:00 #FIHSeriesFinals #RoadToTokyo